Steve Clarke’s Scotland side will enter Euro 2024 after a 2-2 draw with Finland. The hosts took a 2-0 lead at the start of the second half with an own goal by Artu Hoskonen and a header by Lawrence Shankland. However, Finland managed to score 2 more goals and thus equalized the result.
MAN OF THE MATCH – ANDREW ROBERTSON (SCOTLAND)
It was a historic night for Robertson. Captaining Scotland for a 49th time, the Liverpool defender overtook George Young to become his nation’s most capped captain.
He marked the occasion with a couple of trademark deliveries that led to goals for both hosts.
Robertson led the way with three chances created, while his tally of eight crosses was matched only by teammate Ralston on the other flank.
PLAYER RATINGS
Scotland: Gunn 7, Hendry 7, Hanley 7, Tierney 8, Ralston 7, Gilmore 7, McGregor 7, Robertson 9*, Christie 8, McGinn 7, Shankland 8. Subs: Taylor 6, Conway 6, Jack 6, Gordon 5, Morgan 5, McKenna 5.
Finland: Joronen 6, Niskanen 6, Hoskonen 5, Vaisanen 6, Olila 6, Lod 7, Maenpaa 6, Peltola 6, Terho 7, Puki 5, Pohjanpalo 5. Subs: Sinisalo 7, Antman 8, Galvez 6, Kalvitie 8, Valta 5.
THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE MATCH
10′ – GREAT DEFENSE: Finland threaten and former Celtic striker Puki has an eye on goal, but Tierney blocks his shot with a brilliantly timed sliding intervention.
47′ – SAVE: Finland made a change in goal at the break, Sinisalo replaced Joronen between the sticks. The substitute goalkeeper was called straight into action, with a smart reflex save to keep out Gilmour’s shot from 20 yards.
54′ – GOAL!!! SCOTLAND 1-0 FINLAND (HOSKONEN OG): The hosts have a breakthrough, Hoskonen breaks into his own net. Found by Tierney, Robertson sends in a first-time cross, which the Finland defender flicks beyond his keeper.
58′ – GOAL!!! SCOTLAND 2:0 FINLAND (SHANKLAND): Two goals in the space of five minutes give space to the hosts! Robertson is again the provider for Scotland. The captain returns Ralston’s cleared cross and sends a deep cross to the far post, where Shankland heads past Sinisal.
72′ – GOAL!!! SCOTLAND 2-1 FINLAND (KALLMAN): The visitors pull one back in the last 20 minutes! Kalman, only a substitute, is not marked to look at Antman’s deep cross. After a VAR review, the goal stands.
83′ – PENALTY FOR FINLAND: Silence around Hampden as Gordon thumps Galvez and the referee points to the spot.
85′ – GOAL!!! SCOTLAND 2-2 FINLAND (ANTMAN PEN): Antman, also a substitute, steps on and calmly sends Gordon the wrong way. With five minutes to go, Finland equalized.
90+3′ – EXCELLENT SAVE: It’s almost a dream debut for Conway, who meets a cross from the left and heads home. Fortunately for Finland, Sinisalo is ready and gives a good reflex to deny him.
Aurora Blackville